Changes to red card
regulations
Over the past few years England Hockey has been working to align the rules of 11-a-side hockey at
all levels. After feedback from the Regions Consultative Committee, England Hockey has also
been reviewing its Disciplinary Code in line with the latest FIH Rules of Hockey.
As a result of this review, there have been amendments to the EH Disciplinary Code in relation to
personal penalties received by players during a game, with specific reference to red cards.
The intention of this change is to ensure that an accumulation of minor offences results in a
proportionate sanction. From the start of the 2016/17 season, any player who receives a red card
after committing a minor offence for a second time, having also received a yellow card for the first
offence, will no longer automatically receive a 16 day ban.
If a player repeats an offence for which they have already been yellow carded, they should be
shown a red card, in keeping with paragraph 2.3.e of the ‘Umpiring Section’ of the FIH Rules of
Hockey, which states:
It is possible, although umpires are not encouraged to do so, for a player to receive two
green or yellow cards for different minor offences during the same match. However, when
an offence for which a card has already been awarded is repeated, the same card
must not be used again and a more severe penalty must be awarded.
However, following the revision to the EH Disciplinary Code, such a red card will now only result in
the player being suspended for the remainder of the game in question. It will no longer result in a
16 day ban.
It should be noted that a player can still receive a second yellow card during a game, but only
where the second offence is different to that for which the first yellow card was shown. In other
words, a second yellow card is not an ‘automatic’ red card, unless it is for the same offence as the
first.
To reflect the change in the EH Disciplinary Code, there have been changes to the Red Card /
Match Misconduct Offence report form, so umpires or technical officials can correctly record this
scenario. The form now includes an option to record a red card as being for a ‘duplicate yellow
card’ offence. Forms should still be sent to the relevant Disciplinary Officer for collation and review.
David Ellcock, Chair of Selectors for NPUA – the national level umpiring association in England –
said:
“This is a really welcome change to the EH Disciplinary Code will allow umpires to
apply the rules of hockey consistently, without concern for the level of suspension
that a particular card will mean for the player involved. It allows everyone involved at
all levels of the game to have a clear understanding of personal penalties and
promotes EH’s wish for one set of rules to be applied throughout the game across
the country.”
Many leagues and competitions in England keep a record of the accumulated number of yellow
cards awarded against individuals and teams throughout the season. Red cards shown in these
situations will count as two yellow cards. This will also remove the need for the ‘Technical Red
Card’ regulation within the England Hockey League.
It should be noted that red card offences where a player intentionally misbehaves in a serious
manner towards another player, umpire or other match official will continue to result in a minimum
Changes to red card regulations
16 day suspension, and consideration of an extended suspension by the relevant Disciplinary
Officer. England Hockey remains determined to protect the values and spirit of our sport and
serious offences will continue to be dealt with firmly in line with the Code of Ethics.
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2 September 2016.